The Problem With EJ Johnson

I've been trying to figure out what bothers me about EJ Johnson's fashion. And I think I've finally got it.

EJ has access to some of the most beautiful clothes in the world, but somehow the finished look doesn't always give what EJ seems to think it's giving.

And that's the problem.

Listen, I love somebody who's not afraid to step outside the box. Give me the dresses, the heels, the vintage Versace, the Bottega bags. I'm here for all of it.

But having a closet full of designer labels doesn't automatically make you a fashion icon.

Sometimes EJ steps out in a beautiful piece, and then I get to the shoes. Girl, why are we wearing what looks like those little plastic click-clack heels we played dress-up in as kids?

And the hair? Sometimes I genuinely wonder if anybody looked at the whole outfit before EJ walked out the door.

It's not that every look is bad. There have been some good ones. But too often, the clothes, shoes, hair, and makeup look like they're attending four different events.

And with EJ's access to designers and stylists, I'm expecting more.

Now, what really got my attention was EJ talking about looking cuter than the women in the room.

Okay, confidence. We love that.

But why do the other girls have to catch a stray for you to feel good about your outfit?

And then there was Paris Fashion Week.

EJ complained about Rihanna supposedly holding up the Dior show and made it clear they weren't interested in waiting for her.

Now, I understand being annoyed about a late show. Nobody enjoys sitting around waiting.

But Rihanna has spent years building her place in fashion. She's worked with major fashion houses, created her own brand, and put together looks people are still talking about.

EJ, you can have an opinion about Rihanna. Absolutely.

But when you're that comfortable critiquing everybody else's fashion, people are naturally going to take a closer look at yours.

And that's where things get interesting.

Because I don't think EJ lacks confidence. I think EJ has plenty of that.

What I'm not always seeing is the attention to detail that turns an expensive outfit into a great look.

A different shoe. Better coordination between the hair and the clothes. Sometimes just knowing when to take one thing off.

And honestly, maybe EJ doesn't care whether we think it works. That's their business.

But you can't position yourself as the fashion authority in every room and then be surprised when people start reviewing the looks you're bringing into it.

I want EJ to get it right. I really do.

Because having access to the fashion is one thing. Knowing what to do with it is another.

Elvin Harris is AmpliPhy's music and culture voice.

AmpliPhy | LGBTQ Voices, Black and Out Loud.